Option management in a software-defined radio

ABSTRACT

The option management approach for SDRs includes control of installation and/or access to waveform features and/or platform features. A software-defined radio may include an antenna, a radio transceiver coupled to the antenna, and at least one memory storing a master feature database including a plurality of selectable waveform features and a plurality of selectable platform features, and a selected options database including selected waveform features and selected platform features from the master feature database. A controller cooperates with the at least one memory to configure the selected options database based upon an input options file and to permit reconfiguration of the selected options database based upon a subsequent input options file. The controller also cooperates with the radio transceiver and the selected options database to operate the SDR based upon the selected waveform features and the selected platform features.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of communications, and, moreparticularly, to wireless communications and related methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Software Defined Radio (SDR) works much like desktop computing, where asingle hardware platform can carry out many functions based on thesoftware applications loaded. SDR uses software to perform radio-signalprocessing functions instead of using resistors, capacitors, feedbackloops, or application-specific integrated circuits. Frequency tuning,filtering, synchronization, encoding and modulation are performed insoftware on high-speed reprogrammable devices such as digital signalprocessors (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or generalpurpose processors (GPP). RE components may still be needed forgeneration of high frequencies or for signal amplifications andradiation.

At the center of SDR technology is the software architecture on whichthe radios must be built and communication protocols implemented. Manyproprietary architectures exist, but to ensure portability andinteroperability of the protocols on the different radios, an openarchitecture was developed. The Software Communications Architecture(SCA) is a set of specifications describing the interaction between thedifferent software and hardware components of a radio and providingsoftware commands for their control. The SCA has been developed by theU.S. Department of Defense Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) project.The SCA is an open architecture framework that specifies how hardwareand software components are to interoperate so that differentmanufacturers and developers can readily integrate the respectivecomponents into a single device.

So, SDRs can be typically implemented with relatively standard processorand hardware components. One particular class of software radio is theJoint Tactical Radio (JTR), which includes relatively standard radio andprocessing hardware along with any appropriate waveform software modulesto implement the communication waveforms a radio will use. JTR radiosalso use operating system software that conforms with the SCAspecification (see www.jtrs.saalt.mil), which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

The JTRS SCA defines a set of interfaces and protocols, often based onthe Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), for implementingan SDR. In part, JTRS and its SCA are used with a family of softwarere-programmable radios. As such, the SCA is a specific set of rules,methods, and design criteria for implementing software re-programmabledigital radios.

The JTRS SCA specification is published by the JTRS Joint Program Office(JPO). The JTRS SCA has been structured to provide for portability ofapplications software between different JTRS SCA implementations,leverage commercial standards to reduce development cost, reducedevelopment time of new waveforms through the ability to reuse designmodules, and build on evolving commercial frameworks and architectures.

The JTRS SCA is not a system specification, as it is intended to beimplementation independent, but a set of rules that constrain the designof systems to achieve desired JTRS objectives. The software framework ofthe JTRS SCA defines the Operating Environment (OE) and specifies theservices and interfaces that applications use from that environment. TheSCA OE comprises a Core Framework (CF), a CORBA middleware, and anOperating System (OS) based on the Portable Operating System Interface(POSIX) with associated board support packages. The JTRS SCA alsoprovides a building block structure (defined in the API Supplement) fordefining application programming interfaces (APIs) between applicationsoftware components.

The JTRS SCA Core Framework (CF) is an architectural concept definingthe essential, “core” set of open software Interfaces and Profiles thatprovide for the deployment, management, interconnection, andintercommunication of software application components in embedded,distributed-computing communication systems. Interfaces may be definedin the JTRS SCA Specification. However, developers may implement some ofthem, some may be implemented by non-core applications (i.e., waveforms,etc.), and some may be implemented by hardware device providers.

The JTRS approach includes provisions to install/uninstall a waveformapplication to add or alter a feature set. However, the JTRS radioarchitecture has no provisions to control installation or access tofeatures and/or waveforms. The current approach does not addressmodifications of a feature set within a waveform, control of waveform orfeatures to specific customers or specific orders, and/or control offeatures requiring royalties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide an option management approach for SDRsincluding control of installation and/or access to waveform featuresand/or platform features.

This and other objects, features, and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention are provided by a software-defined radio (SDR)including an antenna, a radio transceiver coupled to the antenna, and atleast one memory storing a master feature database including a pluralityof selectable waveform features and a plurality of selectable platformfeatures, and a selected options database including selected waveformfeatures and selected platform features from the master featuredatabase. A controller cooperates with the memory to configure theselected options database based upon an input options file and to permitreconfiguration of the selected options database based upon a subsequentinput options file. The controller also cooperates with the radiotransceiver and the selected options database to operate the SDR basedupon the selected waveform features and the selected platform features.

The memory may further store operating environment software, and whereinthe controller may further cooperate with the memory to configure orreconfigure the selected options database without modification to theoperating environment software. Also, the input options file may be aninput options text file identifying each selectable waveform feature andeach selectable platform feature with a value associated therewith. Therespective value associated with each selectable waveform feature andeach selectable platform feature may include a selected/deselected valueand/or a numerical range value.

The controller may further implement an authorized senderauthentication, an authorized recipient validation and/or a functionalvalidation before permitting configuration or reconfiguration of theselected options database. The memory may also store at least oneapplication program, and the controller may permit read-only access tothe selected options database by the application program. The selectableplatform features may comprise non-waveform related features and/ormulti-waveform generic features.

A method aspect is directed to operating a software-defined radio (SDR)including a radio transceiver, at least one memory and a controllercooperating therewith. The method includes storing a master featuredatabase including a plurality of selectable waveform features and aplurality of selectable platform features, and a selected optionsdatabase including selected waveform features and selected platformfeatures from the master feature database. The method also includescontrolling the memory to configure the selected options database basedupon an input options file and to permit reconfiguration of the selectedoptions database based upon a subsequent input options file. The SDR isoperated based upon the selected waveform features and the selectedplatform features by controlling the radio transceiver and the selectedoptions database.

Operating environment software may be stored in the memory, andcontrolling the memory may include configuring or reconfiguring theselected options database without modification to the operatingenvironment software. The input options file may comprise an inputoptions text file, and the method may further include identifying eachselectable waveform feature and each selectable platform feature with anassociated value of the input options text file. The respective valueassociated with each selectable waveform feature and each selectableplatform feature may include a selected/deselected value and/or anumerical range value.

Furthermore, controlling the memory may further include implementing anauthorized sender authentication, an authorized recipient validationand/or a functional validation before permitting configuration orreconfiguration of the selected options database. The method may includestoring an application program in the memory, and controlling the memorymay include permitting read-only access to the selected options databaseby the at least one application program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of asoftware-defined radio (SDR) in accordance with features of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an example of the options text file illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating various steps of an embodiment of amethod for operating an SDR in accordance with features of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, portions of thepresent invention may be embodied as a method, data processing system,or computer program product. Accordingly, these portions of the presentinvention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software andhardware aspects. Furthermore, portions of the present invention may bea computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium havingcomputer readable program code on the medium. Any suitable computerreadable medium may be utilized including, but not limited to, staticand dynamic storage devices, hard disks, optical storage devices, andmagnetic storage devices.

The present invention is described below with reference to flowchartillustrations of methods, systems, and computer program productsaccording to an embodiment of the invention. It will be understood thatblocks of the illustrations, and combinations of blocks in theillustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions.These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of ageneral purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer orother programmable data processing apparatus, implement the functionsspecified in the block or blocks,

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory result in an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. Thecomputer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a software-defined radio (SDR) 10 inaccordance with the present invention will now be described. An SDR maybe thought of as a radio in which channel modulation waveforms aredefined in software. That is, waveforms are generated as sampled digitalsignals, converted from digital to analog via a wideband Digital toAnalog Converter (DAC) and then possibly upconverted from IF to RF. Thereceiver, similarly, employs a wideband Analog to Digital Converter(ADC) that captures all of the channels of the software radio. Thereceiver then extracts, downconverts and demodulates the channelwaveform using software on a processor such as a digital signalprocessor (DSP), general purpose processor (GPP) or field programmablegate array (FPGA), for example.

As is appreciated by those skilled in the art, the SoftwareCommunications Architecture (SCA) is a set of specifications describingthe interaction between the different software and hardware componentsof a radio and providing software commands for their control. Thesoftware framework of the SCA defines the Operating Environment (OE) andspecifies the services and interfaces that applications use from thatenvironment. The SCA OE may include a Core Framework (CF), a CORBAmiddleware, and an Operating System (OS) based on the Portable OperatingSystem Interface (POSIX) with associated board support packages. The SCAalso provides a building block structure for defining applicationprogramming interfaces (APIs) between application software components.

The SDR 10 includes an antenna 18, a radio transceiver 20 coupled to theantenna, and at least one memory 24. The memory 24 may be implemented byany suitable processor accessible memory capable of performing inaccordance with the features of the present invention. As illustrated,the memory 24 stores a master feature database 26 including a pluralityof selectable waveform features and a plurality of selectable platformfeatures. A selected options database 28 includes selected waveformfeatures and selected platform features from the master featuredatabase. A controller 22 cooperates with the memory 24 to configure theselected options database 28 based upon an input options file 40 and topermit reconfiguration of the selected options database based upon asubsequent input options file. The controller 22 also cooperates withthe radio transceiver 20 and the selected options database 28 to operatethe SDR 10 based upon the selected waveform features and the selectedplatform features.

The options file 40 may be input to the SDR 10 wirelessly via antenna 18or downloaded to the controller 22, e.g. to an input interface, via aportable software storage product such as a computer disc or flashmemory, for example. Also, the input options file 40 may be an inputoptions text file 40, as illustrated in FIG. 2, for example. The optionstext file 40 may include a feature identification and/or an SDRidentification, and may identify each selectable waveform feature andeach selectable platform feature with a value associated therewith. Therespective value associated with each selectable waveform feature andeach selectable platform feature may include a selected/deselected value(e.g. enable or disable) and/or a numerical range value.

The memory 24 may further store operating environment software 30, andthe controller 22 preferably cooperates with the memory to configure orreconfigure the selected options database 28 without modification to theoperating environment software 30. The memory 24 may also store at leastone application program 32, and the controller 22 may permit read-onlyaccess to the selected options database 28 by the application program32.

The controller 22 may further implement an authorized senderauthentication of the options file 40 to verify that the options arebeing authorized by a valid sender before permitting configuration orreconfiguration of the selected options database 28. When an optionsfile 40 is input to the SDR 10, the platform applications may validatethe options file 40 signature (e.g. digital signature standard DSS)before installing.

The controller 22 may implement an authorized recipient validation ofthe options file 40 to verify that the options are valid and intendedfor the respective SDR 10 before permitting configuration orreconfiguration of the selected options database 28. The controller 22may implement a functional validation of the options file 40 todetermine possible inconsistencies between optional features andinstalled features before permitting configuration or reconfiguration ofthe selected options database 28. The selectable platform features maycomprise non-waveform related features and/or multi-waveform genericfeatures such as, for example, SDR positioning features or an audiocodec.

A method aspect will be described with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 3. The method is directed to operating a software-defined radio(SDR) 10 including a radio transceiver 20, at least one memory 24 and acontroller 22 cooperating therewith. The method begins at block 100 andincludes storing a master feature database 26 including a plurality ofselectable waveform features and a plurality of selectable platformfeatures (block 106). A selected options database 28 including selectedwaveform features and selected platform features from the master featuredatabase is stored at block 108. The method also includes controllingthe at least one memory 24 to configure the selected options database 28(block 112) based upon an input options file (processed at block 110)and to permit reconfiguration of the selected options database 28 basedupon a subsequent input options file. At block 114, the SDR 10 isoperated based upon the selected waveform features and the selectedplatform features by controlling the radio transceiver 20 and theselected options database 28, before ending at block 116.

Operating environment software 30 may be stored in the memory 24 (atblock 102), and controlling the memory preferably includes configuringor reconfiguring the selected options database 28 without modificationto the operating environment software 30. The method may include storingan application program 32 in the memory 24 (block 104), and controllingthe memory may include permitting read-only access to the selectedoptions database 28 by the at least one application program 32.Furthermore, controlling the memory 24 may further include implementingan authorized sender authentication, an authorized recipient validationand/or a functional validation before permitting configuration orreconfiguration of the selected options database, as discussed above.

The approach of the present invention provides option enabling for bothwaveforms and/or platform features. The approach is a scalable-genericformat that allows future information to be added/displayed without theneed to modify the operating environment code upon optionaddition/modification. The approach includes the ability to target acustomer radio pool via an identifier such as the radio serial number.This would be done by providing a radio serial number effectivity. Forexample, an option file 40 could be applicable to a range of serialnumbers, all serial numbers or a series of serial numbers.

As discussed, the approach provides authentication of the options file40. For example, the options file would have the same level of securityas the OE or waveform code. This may be done by DSS signing the optionsfile and installing it. Waveform defined options allows waveform uniqueoption data structures without the need to modify operating environmentcode.

For example, a PC application may create an option file 40 which issigned by the manufacturer in the same manner as the radio software issigned. The option file contains option name and a value(enabled/disabled). Option file 40 may also contain additional itemssuch as: serial number set, applicable sales order number(s), waveformspecific configuration data such as frequency range, hopset width,special customer configuration etc.

The installed options may be stored in a persistent SQL database that isunaffected by zeroization or software install. Platform software andinstalled applications access the options database via a generic APIlayer. A unique option ID may be used as a database key to form a SQLquery and return information about the requested option. Integrity ofthe database is ensured by the platform software and this may includemanaging additions and removals to/from the database, To preventinstalled applications from corrupting the options database, theiraccess is preferably read-only. A DSS signed file with a key controlledby the manufacturer installs like any other software package, and theoption file 40 may be targeted towards a specific radio serial number orsales order.

The approach includes the ability to add options without prior knowledgeof the target radio configuration. The waveform installation package canindicate the option is required to authorize proper installation, andwaveform options may be installed and accessed in a generic way.Importantly, the operating environment does not require softwaremodifications to add new options in accordance with the approach of thepresent invention.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tothe mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited tothe specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications andembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A software-defined radio (SDR) comprising: an antenna; a radiotransceiver coupled to said antenna; at least one memory storing amaster feature database including a plurality of selectable waveformfeatures and a plurality of selectable platform features, and a selectedoptions database including selected waveform features and selectedplatform features from said master feature database; and a controllercooperating with said at least one memory to configure the selectedoptions database based upon an input options file and to permitreconfiguration of the selected options database based upon a subsequentinput options file; said controller also cooperating with said radiotransceiver and said selected options database to operate the SDR basedupon the selected waveform features and the selected platform features.2. The SDR according to claim 1, wherein said at least one memoryfurther stores operating environment software; and wherein saidcontroller further cooperates with said at least one memory to configureor reconfigure the selected options database without modification to theoperating environment software.
 3. The SDR according to claim 1, whereinthe input options file comprises an input options text file identifyingeach selectable waveform feature and each selectable platform featurewith a value associated therewith.
 4. The SDR according to claim 3,wherein the respective value associated with each selectable waveformfeature and each selectable platform feature comprises aselected/deselected value.
 5. The SDR according to claim 3, wherein therespective value associated with each selectable waveform feature andeach selectable platform feature comprises a numerical range value. 6.The SDR according to claim 1, wherein said controller further implementsan authorized sender authentication before permitting configuration orreconfiguration of the selected options database.
 7. The SDR accordingto claim 1, wherein said controller further implements an authorizedrecipient validation before permitting configuration or reconfigurationof the selected options database.
 8. The SDR according to claim 1,wherein said controller further implements a functional validationbefore permitting configuration or reconfiguration of the selectedoptions database.
 9. The SDR according to claim 1, wherein said at leastone memory further stores at least one application program; and whereinsaid controller permits read-only access to the selected optionsdatabase by the at least one application program.
 10. The SDR accordingto claim 1, wherein the selectable platform features comprise at leastone of non-waveform related features and multi-waveform genericfeatures.
 11. A software-defined radio (SDR) comprising: an antenna; aradio transceiver coupled to said antenna; at least one memory storingoperating environment software, a master feature database including atleast one of a plurality of selectable waveform features and a pluralityof selectable platform features, and a selected options databaseincluding at least one of selected waveform features and selectedplatform features from said master feature database; and a controllercooperating with said at least one memory to configure the selectedoptions database based upon an input options text file and to permitreconfiguration of the selected options database based upon a subsequentinput options file without modification to the operating environmentsoftware; said controller also cooperating with said radio transceiverand said selected options database to operate the SDR based upon theoperating environment software, selected waveform features and selectedplatform features.
 12. The SDR according to claim 11, wherein the inputoptions text file identifies each selectable waveform feature and eachselectable platform feature with a value associated therewith.
 13. TheSDR according to claim 11, wherein said controller further implements atleast one of an authorized sender authentication, an authorizedrecipient validation and a functional validation before permittingconfiguration or reconfiguration of the selected options database. 14.The SDR according to claim 11, wherein said at least one memory furtherstores at least one application program; and wherein said controllerpermits read-only access to the selected options database by the atleast one application program.
 15. A method of operating asoftware-defined radio (SDR) including a radio transceiver, at least onememory and a controller cooperating therewith, the method comprising:storing in the at least one memory a master feature database including aplurality of selectable waveform features and a plurality of selectableplatform features, and a selected options database including selectedwaveform features and selected platform features from the master featuredatabase; controlling the at least one memory to configure the selectedoptions database based upon an input options file and to permitreconfiguration of the selected options database based upon a subsequentinput options file; and operating the SDR based upon the selectedwaveform features and the selected platform features by controlling theradio transceiver and the selected options database.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 15, further comprising storing operating environmentsoftware in the at least one memory; and wherein controlling the atleast one memory includes configuring or reconfiguring the selectedoptions database without modification to the operating environmentsoftware.
 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the inputoptions file comprises an input options text file; and furthercomprising identifying each selectable waveform feature and eachselectable platform feature with an associated value of the inputoptions text file.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein therespective value associated with each selectable waveform feature andeach selectable platform feature comprises a selected/deselected value.19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the respective valueassociated with each selectable waveform feature and each selectableplatform feature comprises a numerical range value.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 15, wherein controlling the at least one memoryfurther includes implementing an authorized sender authentication beforepermitting configuration or reconfiguration of the selected optionsdatabase.
 21. The method according to claim 15, wherein controlling theat least one memory further includes implementing an authorizedrecipient validation before permitting configuration or reconfigurationof the selected options database.
 22. The method according to claim 15,wherein controlling the at least one memory further includesimplementing a functional validation before permitting configuration orreconfiguration of the selected options database.
 23. The methodaccording to claim 15, further comprising storing at least oneapplication program in the at least one memory; and wherein controllingthe at least one memory includes permitting read-only access to theselected options database by the at least one application program.
 24. Amethod of operating a software-defined radio (SDR) including a radiotransceiver, at least one memory and a controller cooperating therewith,the method comprising: storing in the at least one memory operatingenvironment software, a master feature database including at least oneof a plurality of selectable waveform features and a plurality ofselectable platform features, and a selected options database includingat least one of selected waveform features and selected platformfeatures from the master feature database; controlling the at least onememory to configure the selected options database based upon an inputoptions text file and to permit reconfiguration of the selected optionsdatabase based upon a subsequent input options file without modificationto the operating environment software; and operating the SDR based uponthe operating environment software, selected waveform features andselected platform features by controlling the radio transceiver and theselected options database.
 25. The method according to claim 24, furthercomprising identifying each selectable waveform feature and eachselectable platform feature with an associated value of the inputoptions text file.
 26. The method according to claim 24, whereincontrolling the at least one memory further comprises implementing atleast one of an authorized sender authentication, an authorizedrecipient validation and a functional validation before permittingconfiguration or reconfiguration of the selected options database. 27.The method according to claim 24, further comprising storing at leastone application program in the at least one memory; and whereincontrolling the at least one memory includes permitting read-only accessto the selected options database by the at least one applicationprogram.